Hindu Pilgrim’s Silver Krishna Amulet Pendant

This beautiful and wearable amulet pendant suspended on what is probably an original multi-strand, black yarn necklace, is from India, most probably Rajasthan and dates to the early 20th century or earlier.

The necklace comprises nine round frames of thin, high-grade if not pure silver over a substrate. Each holds a hand-painted image under glass. (The purity of the silver that has been used accords with the religious nature of this piece.)

Five of the images show Krishna. Another is of a seated man, and another a seated woman. The outermost images are of Krishna’s feet (Krishnapada) and the deity’s hands.

The reverse of the each frame is enclosed with plain sheet silver.

Such a necklace most probably was acquired from the environs of a temple by a pilgrim and worn thereafter as a keepsake. The most likely temple is the Shrinathji Temple, in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

The piece has a fine patina and is in an excellent, wearable condition.